Our Students

Since its inception, WUDL has served thousands of students from more than 70 public schools in D.C. and the surrounding areas. The success of WUDL and its students and coaches has been recognized regionally and nationally.

WUDL is dedicated to the continued success of the league and its debaters, fostering community, and preparing them with the skills they will need to be competitive in their careers and lives.

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Students
Served each year via curricular and after school programming
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Schools
After School Debate Partners
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Students
After School Debaters

Our Calendar

Digital and in-person Events

League News

Stay tuned for the latest WUDL News, from tournament winners to upcoming events and more!

Mission

Washington Urban Debate League (WUDL) uses debate to make transformative opportunities available for students in the D.C. area. Peer-reviewed research shows that competitive debate is one of the best things a student can do with their out-of-school time, building life-long and career-oriented skills that cannot be automated or outsourced. Debaters show more substantial academic and social-emotional growth and graduate and attend college at a higher rate than their non-debater peers. Sadly, debate is traditionally only found at elite private and suburban schools. WUDL creates a space where middle and high school students attending public schools (especially Title 1 Schools) can hone their critical thinking skills, participate in an intellectual community of their peers, and grow in self advocacy. WUDL also provides a pathway to college and career readiness that compliments traditional pedagogy.

It take a village

Our Amazing Volunteers

We could not do the work we do without our amazing volunteers. Each year, the students vote to recognize one of our most outstanding supporters for their contributions to that season’s success.